Fitness Mat Receptacle And Exercise System Using Same

ABSTRACT

One storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat includes a first endcap, a second endcap, and a strap. The first endcap has an attachment portion for operatively coupling the first endcap to the fitness mat, a clip member, and a restraining portion. The second endcap has an attachment portion for operatively coupling the second endcap to the fitness mat, a clip member, and a restraining portion. The strap has a first end with means for attachment to the first endcap clip member, and has a second end with means for attachment to the second endcap clip member. When the first and second endcaps are operatively coupled to the fitness mat, the first endcap restraining portion extends toward the second endcap to restrain the fitness mat from unwrapping and the second endcap restraining portion extends toward the first endcap to restrain the fitness mat from unwrapping.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/179,166, filed May 18, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed subject matter is directed to storage and transport apparatus, and in particular to apparatus for storing and transporting fitness mats.

Various exercise programs (e.g., yoga classes, pilates classes, fitness video routines) require participants to use mats. In many cases, those participants must provide and transport their own mats to and from the exercise programs. In the prior art, the mats are often cumbersome to pack, store, and carry.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat includes an elongate tubular member, a first endcap, and a second endcap. The tubular member has first and second ends. The first endcap has an attachment portion, a clip member, and a restraining portion; the first endcap attachment portion is complementary to the tubular member first end for being selectively coupled thereto in a pressure fit. The second endcap has an attachment portion, a clip member, and a restraining portion; the second endcap attachment portion is complementary to the tubular member second end for being selectively coupled thereto in a pressure fit. The first endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the second endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, and a sufficient space is between the tubular member and the first endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping. The second endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the first endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, and a sufficient space is between the tubular member and the second endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping.

In another embodiment, a storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat includes an elongate tubular member, a first endcap, and a second endcap. The tubular member has first and second ends. The first endcap has a first wall with inner and outer sides, an attachment portion extending from the first wall inner side, a clip member extending from the first wall outer side, and a restraining portion extending from the first wall inner side. The first endcap attachment portion is complementary to the tubular member first end for being selectively coupled thereto. The second endcap has a second wall with inner and outer sides, an attachment portion extending from the second wall inner side, a clip member extending from the second wall outer side, and a restraining portion extending from the second wall inner side. The second endcap attachment portion is complementary to the tubular member second end for being selectively coupled thereto. The first endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the second endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, and a sufficient space is between the tubular member and the first endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping. The second endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the first endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, and a sufficient space is between the tubular member and the second endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping.

In still another embodiment, a storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat includes a first endcap, a second endcap, and a strap. The first endcap has an attachment portion for operatively coupling the first endcap to the fitness mat, a clip member, and a restraining portion. The second endcap has an attachment portion for operatively coupling the second endcap to the fitness mat, a clip member, and a restraining portion. The strap has a first end with means for attachment to the first endcap clip member, and has a second end with means for attachment to the second endcap clip member. The first endcap restraining portion extends toward the second endcap to restrain the fitness mat from unwrapping when the first and second endcaps are operatively coupled to the fitness mat. The second endcap restraining portion extends toward the first endcap to restrain the fitness mat from unwrapping when the first and second endcaps are operatively coupled to the fitness mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 a shows an outer perspective view of one endcap from the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 b shows an inner perspective view of the endcap of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 c shows a bottom perspective view of the endcap of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 d shows another outer view of the endcap of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 a shows an outer-upper perspective view of the other endcap from the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 b shows an outer-lower perspective view of the endcap of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3 c shows another outer-lower perspective view of the endcap of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3 d shows a bottom perspective view of the endcap of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 4 shows a fitness mat while being coupled to the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows the fitness mat of FIG. 4 coupled to the apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate one embodiment of a storage and transport apparatus 100 for use with a fitness mat 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The apparatus 100 includes an elongate tubular member 110, a first endcap 120, a second endcap 140, and a strap 160.

The elongate tubular member 110 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and has first and second ends 112, 114. While it may be desirable for the tubular member 110 to be entirely hollow and have a generally round outer circumference (as shown), those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations may also be acceptable. For example, the tubular member 110 may be hollow only at the ends 112, 114 and/or may have an oblong or oval circumference. The diameter of the tubular member 110 (e.g., about two and a half inches) and the length of the tubular member 110 between the ends 112, 114 (e.g., about thirty inches) may be selected based on the size of the mat 10 that will be used with the apparatus 100, as will be more clear from the description below. In some embodiments (though not shown in the drawings), the tubular member 110 may be telescopic to allow a single tubular member 110 to be used with mats of different sizes. The tubular member 110 may be constructed of various rigid materials, such as plastic, polyvinyl chloride, metal, and/or heavy cardboard.

The first endcap 120 is shown in FIGS. 1 through 2 d, 4, and 5 and includes an attachment portion 122 configured to couple the first endcap 120 to the tubular member 110. For example, the attachment portion 122 may be frustoconical (as shown) such that the attachment portion 122 is complementary to the hollow end 112 of the tubular member 110, allowing the attachment portion 122 to be coupled to (i.e., received in) the end 112 in a pressure fit. In the embodiment shown, the attachment portion 122 may be received in either tube end 112, 114; but in other embodiments, the attachment portion 122 and the tube ends 112, 114 may be configured such that the attachment portion 122 is only complementary to one of the tube ends 112, 114. Further, while it is currently preferred for the attachment portion 122 to not be locked to the tube 110 through a clip, spring latch, or other locking device (and instead to simply be coupled to the tubular member 110 through a simple pressure fit), such locking devices may be included. The attachment portion 122 is shown having a solid wall 123 a surrounding a cavity 123 b, though the wall 123 a may (for example) include openings or a plurality of distinct walls, or the cavity 123 b may be omitted.

While the attachment portion 122 extends from an inner side 125 a of wall 125, the first endcap 120 may have a clip member 126 extending from an outer side 125 b of the wall 125. The clip member 126 shown in the drawings is a female clip configured to receive a male clip 162 on the strap 160 (described below). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, different types of clips may be used for the clip member 126 and the clip 162, so long as the two are capable of interacting together. While the clip member 126 may be positioned in various directions, it may be desirable for the clip member 126 to be positioned such that the clip member 126 and/or the strap clip 162 must move relative to each other in a direction generally parallel to the wall 125 to fasten together and release, as shown.

The first endcap 120 also includes a restraining portion 128 extending from the wall inner side 125 a and adjacent the tubular member 110 when the first endcap 120 is operatively coupled to the tubular member 110. The restraining portion 128 may be generally planar (as shown) or have various other configurations (e.g., cylindrical, rounded, etc), but a sufficient amount of space must be between the restraining portion 128 and the tubular member 110 for the fitness mat 10 to pass therebetween when wrapped around the tubular member 110 and be restrained from unwrapping. Though not shown, the distance between the restraining portion 128 and the attachment portion 122 may be adjustable, such as through a lockable sliding mechanism. As shown in the drawings, it may be desirable for the restraining portion 128 to extend generally parallel to the tubular member 110, though other embodiments may not be configured in this way. The length of the restraining portion 128 may also vary, so long as the restraining portion is capable of restraining the mat 10 from unwrapping about the tubular member 110; it may be desirable, however, for the restraining portion 128 to extend further from the wall 125 than the attachment portion 122 extends from the wall 125. The first endcap 120 may be constructed of plastic, metal, and/or any other appropriate materials.

Attention is now directed to the second endcap 140, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 a through 5. The second endcap 140 includes an attachment portion 142 configured to couple the second endcap 140 to the tubular member 110. For example, the attachment portion 142 may be frustoconical (as shown) such that the attachment portion 142 is complementary to the hollow end 114 of the tubular member 110, allowing the attachment portion 142 to be coupled to (i.e., received in) the end 114 in a pressure fit. In the embodiment shown, the attachment portion 142 may be received in either tube end 112, 114; but in other embodiments, the attachment portion 142 and the tube ends 112, 114 may be configured such that the attachment portion 142 is only complementary to one of the tube ends 112, 114. Further, while it is currently preferred for the attachment portion 142 to not be locked to the tube 110 through a clip, spring latch, or other locking device (and instead to simply be coupled to the tubular member 110 through a simple pressure fit), such locking devices may be included. The attachment portion 142 is shown having a solid wall 143 a surrounding a cavity 143 b, though the wall 143 a may (for example) include openings or a plurality of distinct walls, or the cavity 143 b may be omitted.

While the attachment portion 142 extends from an inner side 145 a of wall 145, the second endcap 140 may have a clip member 146 extending from an outer side 145 b of the wall 145. The clip member 146 shown in the drawings is a male clip configured to receive a female clip 164 on the strap 160 (described below). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, different types of clips may be used for the clip member 146 and the clip 164, so long as the two are capable of interacting together. While the clip member 146 may be positioned in various directions, it may be desirable for the clip member 146 to be positioned such that the clip member 146 and/or the strap clip 164 must move relative to each other in a direction generally parallel to the wall 145 to fasten together and release, as shown.

The second endcap 140 also includes a restraining portion 148 extending from the wall inner side 145 a and adjacent the tubular member 110 when the second endcap 140 is operatively coupled to the tubular member 110. The restraining portion 148 may be generally planar (as shown) or have various other configurations (e.g., cylindrical, rounded, etc), but a sufficient amount of space must be between the restraining portion 148 and the tubular member 110 for the fitness mat 10 to pass therebetween when wrapped around the tubular member 110 and be restrained from unwrapping. Though not shown, the distance between the restraining portion 148 and the attachment portion 142 may be adjustable, such as through a lockable sliding mechanism. As shown in the drawings, it may be desirable for the restraining portion 148 to extend generally parallel to the tubular member 110, though other embodiments may not be configured in this way. The length of the restraining portion 148 may also vary, so long as the restraining portion is capable of restraining the mat 10 from unwrapping about the tubular member 110; it may be desirable, however, for the restraining portion 148 to extend further from the wall 145 than the attachment portion 142 extends from the wall 145. The second endcap 140 may be constructed of plastic, metal, and/or any other appropriate materials.

Turning now to the strap 160 (FIGS. 4 and 5), the strap 160 has a first end 161 with means for attachment to the first endcap clip member 126 (e.g., clip 162) and a second end 163 with means for attachment to the second endcap clip member 146 (e.g., clip 164). While the first endcap clip member 126 and the clip 164 are shown to be female clips, and the second endcap clip member 146 and the clip 162 are shown to be male clips, various configurations and types of attachment devices may be used so long as the ends of the strap 160 may be coupled to the clip members 126, 146, and even permanent attachment devices may be used. It may be desirable, however, for the strap ends 161, 163 to be capable of connecting together, as discussed below. Means for adjusting a length of the strap 160, such as a clasp, may also be included. The strap 160 may be constructed of cotton web, nylon, and/or any other appropriate material.

In use, the user may purchase (or otherwise obtain) the fitness mat 10 and the storage and transport apparatus 100 together or separately. Notably, the apparatus 100 may be used as an exercise system with any standard fitness mat that may be rolled up, so long as the apparatus 100 is appropriately sized. In other words, the mat 10 does not need any special features to operate with the apparatus 100. To transport the mat 10, the mat 10 is first rolled about the tubular member 110, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Once the mat 10 is wound about the tubular member 110, the endcaps 120, 140 may be coupled to the tubular member 110 by the attachment portions 122, 142. For example, the attachment portion 122 may be received in the tubular member end 112 in a pressure fit, and the attachment portion 142 may be received in the tubular member end 114 in a pressure fit. When the endcaps 120, 140 are coupled to the tubular member 110, the first endcap restraining portion 128 extends toward the second endcap 140 with a portion of the mat 10 between the restraining portion 128 and the tubular member 110, and the second endcap restraining portion 148 extends toward the first endcap 120 with a portion of the mat 10 between the restraining portion 148 and the tubular member 110; this restricts the mat 10 from unrolling. The strap 160 may be attached to the endcaps 120, 140 either before or after the endcaps 120, 140 are coupled to the tubular member 110, the length of the strap 160 may be adjusted using the clasp, and the user may simply carry the apparatus 100 and the mat 10 by the strap 160 without fear of the mat 10 unwrapping or becoming permanently deformed. FIG. 5 shows the mat 10 coupled to the apparatus 100 for transportation.

To separate the mat 10 from the apparatus 100, the endcaps 120, 140 are simply separated from the tubular member 110 (e.g., by pulling the endcaps 120, 140 to break the temporary interaction between the attachment portions 122, 142 and the tubular member 110). Without the restraining portions 128, 148 keeping the mat 10 rolled about the tubular member 110, the mat 10 may be unwound and separated from the tubular member 110. The ends 161, 163 of the strap 160 may also be separated from the clip members 126, 146 and coupled together for use in stretching and exercising.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Further, various steps set forth herein may be carried out in orders that differ from those set forth herein without departing from the scope of the present methods. The description should not be restricted to the above embodiments, but should be measured by the claims. 

1. Storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat, the apparatus comprising: an elongate tubular member having first and second ends; a first endcap having an attachment portion, a clip member, and a restraining portion; the first endcap attachment portion being complementary to the tubular member first end for being selectively coupled thereto in a pressure fit; and a second endcap having an attachment portion, a clip member, and a restraining portion; the second endcap attachment portion being complementary to the tubular member second end for being selectively coupled thereto in a pressure fit; wherein the first endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the second endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, a sufficient space being between the tubular member and the first endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping; and wherein the second endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the first endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, a sufficient space being between the tubular member and the second endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping.
 2. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a strap having a first end with means for attachment to the first endcap clip member, and having a second end with means for attachment to the second endcap clip member.
 3. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tubular member has a generally round outer circumference and is hollow.
 4. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first endcap attachment portion is frustoconical and the second endcap attachment portion is frustoconical.
 5. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 4, wherein when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member: the first endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the second endcap than the first endcap attachment portion extends toward the second endcap; and the second endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the first endcap than the second endcap attachment portion extends toward the first endcap.
 6. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first endcap attachment portion includes a cavity and the second endcap attachment portion includes a cavity.
 7. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tubular member is telescopic.
 8. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 7, further comprising means for adjusting a length of the strap.
 9. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member: the first endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the second endcap than the first endcap attachment portion extends toward the second endcap; and the second endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the first endcap than the second endcap attachment portion extends toward the first endcap.
 10. Storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat, the apparatus comprising: an elongate tubular member having first and second ends; a first endcap having a first wall with inner and outer sides, an attachment portion extending from the first wall inner side, a clip member extending from the first wall outer side, and a restraining portion extending from the first wall inner side; the first endcap attachment portion being complementary to the tubular member first end for being selectively coupled thereto; and a second endcap having a second wall with inner and outer sides, an attachment portion extending from the second wall inner side, a clip member extending from the second wall outer side, and a restraining portion extending from the second wall inner side; the second endcap attachment portion being complementary to the tubular member second end for being selectively coupled thereto; wherein the first endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the second endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, a sufficient space being between the tubular member and the first endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping; and wherein the second endcap restraining portion extends adjacent the tubular member and toward the first endcap when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member, a sufficient space being between the tubular member and the second endcap restraining portion for the fitness mat to pass therebetween when wrapped about the tubular member and be restrained from unwrapping.
 11. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a strap having a first end with means for attachment to the first endcap clip member, and having a second end with means for attachment to the second endcap clip member.
 12. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 11, wherein the tubular member has a generally round outer circumference and is hollow.
 13. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first endcap attachment portion is frustoconical and the second endcap attachment portion is frustoconical.
 14. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the first and second endcaps are coupled to the tubular member: the first endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the second endcap than the first endcap attachment portion extends toward the second endcap; and the second endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the first endcap than the second endcap attachment portion extends toward the first endcap.
 15. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first endcap attachment portion is at least partially hollow and the second endcap attachment portion is at least partially hollow.
 16. Storage and transport apparatus for use with a fitness mat, the apparatus comprising: a first endcap having an attachment portion for operatively coupling the first endcap to the fitness mat, a clip member, and a restraining portion; a second endcap having an attachment portion for operatively coupling the second endcap to the fitness mat, a clip member, and a restraining portion; and a strap having a first end with means for attachment to the first endcap clip member, and having a second end with means for attachment to the second endcap clip member; wherein the first endcap restraining portion extends toward the second endcap to restrain the fitness mat from unwrapping when the first and second endcaps are operatively coupled to the fitness mat and the fitness mat is at a rolled configuration; and wherein the second endcap restraining portion extends toward the first endcap to restrain the fitness mat from unwrapping when the first and second endcaps are operatively coupled to the fitness mat and the fitness mat is at the rolled configuration.
 17. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first endcap attachment portion is frustoconical and the second endcap attachment portion is frustoconical.
 18. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 16, wherein when the first and second endcaps are operatively coupled to the fitness mat: the first endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the second endcap than the first endcap attachment portion extends toward the second endcap; and the second endcap restraining portion extends closer toward the first endcap than the second endcap attachment portion extends toward the first endcap.
 19. The storage and transport apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for attachment to the first endcap clip member are complementary to the means for attachment to the second endcap clip member, such that the strap ends are coupled together when the means for attachment are joined together. 